EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE


SALT LAKE CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE


SALT LAKE CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

KIDNAPPING

Based in Salt Lake City, Intermountain Legal provides intelligent defense representation to people accused of serious felonies, including first and second degree kidnapping charges.

Kidnapping Charges in Utah

Under the Utah Criminal Code, a person commits kidnapping if he or she intentionally or knowingly, without authority of law, and against the will of the victim:

  • Detains or restrains the victim for any substantial period of time
  • Detains or restrains the victim in circumstances exposing the victim to risk of bodily injury
  • Holds the victim in involuntary servitude
  • Detains or restrains a minor without the consent of the minor’s parent or legal guardian
  • Moves the victim any substantial distance or across a state line

A person commits child kidnapping if he or she intentionally or knowingly seizes, confines, detains, or transports a child under the age of fourteen without the consent of the victim’s parent or guardian.

Aggravated Kidnapping

A person commits the crime of aggravated kidnapping if in the course of committing kidnapping, he or she possesses, uses, or threatens to use a dangerous weapon and acts with intent to:

  • Hold the victim for ransom or reward, or as a shield or hostage, or to compel a third person to engage in particular conduct or to forbear from engaging in particular conduct
  • Facilitate the commission, attempted commission, or flight after commission or attempted commission of a felony
  • Hinder or delay the discovery of or reporting of a felony
  • Inflict bodily injury on or to terrorize the victim or another
  • Interfere with the performance of any governmental or political function
  • Commit a sexual offense

Possible Penalties Associated With a Conviction

Kidnapping is classified as a second degree felony, carrying a punishment of three to 15 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. In cases of child and aggravated kidnappings, the charge becomes a first degree felony, and the potential prison sentence increases to 15 years to life. If some bodily injury is caused to the victim or another, of if the person charged was previously convicted of a grievous sexual offense, the punishment for a second degree kidnapping may increase to life without parole.

Despite these sentencing guidelines, a lesser term may be given if the court finds that it is in the interests of justice. For example, a 15 year sentence may be reduced to ten years or six years if the defendant was exceptionally cooperative with law enforcement, is a good candidate for treatment, and/or has developmental disabilities.

Seek Experienced, Intelligent Defense Representation

Being accused of kidnapping is a serious charge that requires serious representation to overcome the potentially devastating consequences. If you face first or second degree charges, do not hesitate to contact Intermountain Legal for a free consultation. An experienced criminal attorney in Salt Lake City will discuss your options with you with the goal of determining your best course of action.

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STEVEN K. BURTON

As a former prosecutor Steven gained an intimate knowledge of various Domestic Violence Courts, DUI courts and other criminal court programs and procedures. He has spent over 3,500 hours in court and has argued more cases than most attorneys do in a lifetime. For more on Steve's experience, click here.

JACKIE REIDELBERGER

Jackie is a skilled trial attorney and negotiator who specializes in criminal defense. Her work ethic and genuine concern for her clients has given her a reputation for outworking and out-preparing opposing attorneys so she can negotiate from a position of strength and fight the cases that need to be fought. Because she cares about her clients, she considers each client’s specific needs and concerns in order to reach the best possible outcome in their case. For more on Jackie's experience click here.

MARK LAROCCO

Mark is skilled at dealing with all aspects of family law, including helping clients obtain modifications, enforce court orders, and achieve fair custody and support awards. Going through a painful divorce or a custody battle can be one of the most difficult times in someone’s life, and Mark is there to help every step of the way. For more on Mark's experience, click here.

JUSTIN PRATT

Attorney Justin S. Pratt handles all types of criminal cases, with an emphasis on DUI-related charges. He believes that someone who is charged with a crime deserves the specialized attention of an attorney who will protect his client's rights by taking the time to examine constitutional issues, important factual circumstances, and any other crucial factors that may be relevant to the case. For more on Justin's experience, click here.

HAYLI DICKEY

Hayli is a skilled attorney who specializes exclusively in family law. She is known as a “spitfire” attorney but with a personable personality. Because of her excellent reputation and track record of success in Utah courts, she was heavily recruited by multiple law firms. She joined Intermountain Legal because of the firm’s dedication to giving personal attention to each client and to providing excellent legal representation in every case. For more on Hayli's experience click here.

STEVEN K. BURTON

As a former prosecutor Steven gained an intimate knowledge of various Domestic Violence Courts, DUI courts and other criminal court programs and procedures. He has spent over 3,500 hours in court and has argued more cases than most attorneys do in a lifetime. For more on Steve's experience, click here.

 
JUSTIN PRATT

Attorney Justin S. Pratt handles all types of criminal cases, with an emphasis on DUI-related charges. He believes that someone who is charged with a crime deserves the specialized attention of an attorney who will protect his client's rights by taking the time to examine constitutional issues, important factual circumstances, and any other crucial factors that may be relevant to the case. For more on Justin's experience, click here.

 
MARK LAROCCO

Mark is skilled at dealing with all aspects of family law, including helping clients obtain modifications, enforce court orders, and achieve fair custody and support awards. Going through a painful divorce or a custody battle can be one of the most difficult times in someone’s life, and Mark is there to help every step of the way. For more on Mark's experience, click here.

 
JACKIE REIDELBERGER

Jackie is a skilled trial attorney and negotiator who specializes in criminal defense. Her work ethic and genuine concern for her clients has given her a reputation for outworking and out-preparing opposing attorneys so she can negotiate from a position of strength and fight the cases that need to be fought. Because she cares about her clients, she considers each client’s specific needs and concerns in order to reach the best possible outcome in their case. For more on Jackie's experience click here.

 
HAYLI DICKEY

Hayli is a skilled attorney who specializes exclusively in family law. She is known as a “spitfire” attorney but with a personable personality. Because of her excellent reputation and track record of success in Utah courts, she was heavily recruited by multiple law firms. She joined Intermountain Legal because of the firm’s dedication to giving personal attention to each client and to providing excellent legal representation in every case. For more on Hayli's experience click here.